These aren't simply numbers on a page.
They're players, families, teammates and communities whose lives have been disrupted by something none of them expected.
In rugby, we refer to these cases as near misses. These are serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention, but where recovery is expected over time.
Some players will recover quickly. For others, the road back can be long, uncertain and incredibly demanding.
Our role is to stand alongside them and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of recovery and rehabilitation for as long as that support is needed.
And while much of this work happens quietly, behind the scenes, its impact is felt well beyond the player.
A parent who feels supported. A family that has someone to turn to. A club that knows its player hasn't been forgotten.
These are the positive ripples that your support helps create.
If you've supported the Foundation before, thank you. You're already part of this story.
And if this is the first time you've considered helping, we'd love to have you alongside us.
Whether it's a donation, large or small, or simply passing this message on to someone who might not know about our work, every action has the potential to make a difference.
Help create the next positive ripple — Donate or learn how to help.
A LIFE FOREVER CHANGED.
Among the injuries reported this year was one that has brought a young man and his family into the NZ Rugby Foundation's community of Very Injured Players, or VIPs.
They're now part of a very special group of people we make a commitment to stand alongside for life.
Male. 27yrs old. On 4 July, the player was playing for Hampstead Rugby Club in Ashburton when he sustained a serious injury to his cervical spine.
The consequences have been life-changing.
After spending two months on a ventilator, he was transferred to the Auckland Rehabilitation Spinal Unit to begin rehabilitation. He has a C3/4 spinal cord injury, incomplete tetraplegia.
At just 27, the player and those closest to him , including his three children all aged under five, are facing a future none of them could have imagined before that day.
There will be challenges, milestones and moments of enormous determination ahead.
And through it all, our commitment is that he and his family won't have to navigate that journey alone.
It's about regaining confidence, independence and the ability to participate fully in the life that lies ahead.
And it doesn't happen overnight.
We're here for him. For his family. For life.
Not just when the injury is new, the headlines are fresh or the rugby community is rallying around them.
But in the months, years and decades ahead.
That's a commitment we take seriously, and one we can only continue to deliver with the generosity of people who believe, as we do, that looking after our own is one of rugby's greatest strengths.
Stand alongside our injured players — Make a donation or share our story
NOW, IMAGINE THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF YOUR SUPPORT
One person makes a donation.
That contribution combines with the generosity of others to help us continue supporting injured players and their families.
One person shares this story with their rugby club.
Someone reads it and discovers the Foundation's work for the first time.
A business owner decides they'd like to get involved.
A former player tells an old teammate.
A parent shares it with another family affected by injury.
And suddenly, a message that began with one person reaches dozens, perhaps hundreds of others.
That's the ripple effect in action.
Not all of us can make a significant financial contribution, and we understand that.
But all of us have the ability to make a connection, start a conversation or help someone else better understand why this work matters.
Because awareness matters too.
The more people who know who we are, what we do and the lifelong commitments we make, the stronger our ability to be there when the next family needs us.
And sadly, we know there will be a next family.
We don't know who they are, where they live or which rugby jersey they'll be wearing.
But we do know that when their world changes, we want to be ready to help.
ONE SMALL ACTION. A LASTING IMPACT.
So, here's our invitation to you.
If you're in a position to make a financial contribution to the NZ Rugby Foundation, we'd be incredibly grateful.
Your generosity helps us stand alongside players and families when life takes an unexpected turn.
And if donating isn't possible right now, that's absolutely fine too.
Please share this message.
Forward it to a friend. Send it to your old rugby mates. Share it with your club, workplace or someone who you think would appreciate knowing a little more about what we do.
You never know where that one simple action might lead.
To everyone who has supported us, volunteered their time, opened doors, made introductions, attended our events or quietly championed our cause — thank you.
You are already creating ripples of positive change, whether you realise it or not.
Together, we can ensure that when one moment changes a player's life, a whole community is there to help them find their way forward.
Because one moment can change everything.
And one act of kindness can change what happens next.
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